MP's concern over alleged arrest of councillor

Labour MP Melanie Onn has written to the chairman of Reform UK raising concerns over the alleged arrest of one of its local councillors in North East Lincolnshire.

In her letter to Lee Anderson, which she posted on Facebook, Melanie Onn said she understands that councillor James Sawkins "is subject to an ongoing police investigation and that criminal proceedings have been listed before the magistrates' court".

Onn asks if Reform UK were aware of the arrest and whether the party has "considered appropriate interim measures in relation to his party and council responsibilities".

A Reform UK spokesperson said Sawkins had not been charged and "understand the allegations concern a third party".

"He therefore remains a Reform UK councillor," the spokesperson said.

Humberside Police said a man and a woman had been arrested after officers received reports of the sale of unlicenced medicines.

The force said its officers conducted two Police and Criminal Evidence Act warrants at properties on Yarbrough Road in Grimsby and Grange Close in Waltham on Friday, 11 September.

Upon entry a quantity of unlicenced prescription drugs and class A drugs were located and seized.

In a statement, the force said: "A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property, administering a noxious substance with intent, supplying an unauthorised medical product and possession of class A drugs.

"A 43-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of concealing criminal property, administering a noxious substance with intent and supplying an unauthorised medical product.

"Both have since been conditionally bailed while inquiries are ongoing."

Sawkins is the council's portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities and has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

In her letter, Onn, who is MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, wrote: "I make no comment on the merits of the allegations or the proper outcome of those proceedings.

"If Reform UK was aware, why was the councillor not suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and legal process?

"This is a serious conflict of interest while this police investigation is ongoing and risks bringing our local authority into disrepute."

Since Onn's letter was made public, North East Lincolnshire Conservative Group posted on Facebook that it was "gravely concerned" by the reports and there was a "legitimate and important question for Reform UK and council leader Oliver Freeston to answer".

The statement added: "The portfolio held by councillor Sawkins covers matters directly connected with safer and stronger communities."

North East Lincolnshire Council has been contacted for comment.

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